Marilyn Sue Groce

Marilyn Sue Groce, 91, of New Castle, passed away peacefully Monday morning, May 25, 2026, at Henry Community Health. She was born July 10, 1934, in Spiceland, Indiana, to Herbert Hoover and Lutie Lee (Estes) Ritenour. Marilyn was a 1952 graduate of New Castle High School, and she married the love of her life, James Frankilin Groce, on June 12, 1955. Marilyn devoted her life to faith, family, and caring for others. She worked for more than 23 years at the Division of Family and Children in New Castle and also spent several years working at the Finance Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison. While she valued her work, her greatest joy was always found at home and in the lives of those she loved most. For more than 50 years, Marilyn faithfully served as pianist and organist at Westview Church of the Nazarene, the church she had attended since her teenage years. Music was one of the many ways she quietly ministered to others. Marilyn was the heart of her family. She loved caring for her grandchildren when they were young and found great happiness in preparing meals, hosting family gatherings, and opening her home to those she loved. Holidays around Marilyn’s table were especially meaningful, filled with home-cooked meals, desserts, coffee, laughter, and time spent together. She especially enjoyed hosting her siblings and cousins, creating memories that her family will treasure for years to come. She had a gentle and nurturing spirit and was always making sure everyone around her was cared for and provided for before herself. Marilyn truly loved being a homemaker and took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. She even helped her husband build their first home in Springport, a reflection of her hardworking and devoted nature. In quieter moments, Marilyn enjoyed watching birds outside her window, animal programs on television, and loving on her three “grand-dogs.” She also cherished the memories of spending summers growing up at the family lake cottage in Angola with her mother and cousin. Those left to cherish Marilyn’s memory include her four sons, Terry (Cathy) Groce of New Castle, Gerald (Dorothy) Groce of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, James Groce of New Castle, and Mark (Julie) Groce of New Castle; grandchildren, Nathan (Jessie) Groce, Jeannette Cassell, and Terry Franklin Groce II; a great-granddaughter, Audrey Cassell; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Franklin Groce, who passed away on June 12, 1981, on their 26th wedding anniversary; two brothers, Paul (Bonnie) Ritenour and Herbert (Gladys) Ritenour; and a special cousin, Wanda Sexton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Riddle officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Westview Church of the Nazarene, with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Marilyn Sue Groce.

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Marilyn Sue Groce

July 10, 1934 - May 25, 2026